Kieron Freeman could face a baptism of fire on his Sheffield United ‘debut’ after receiving clearance to face Tottenham Hotspur at Bramall Lane this evening, writes James Shield.

The former Nottingham Forest and Derby County defender joined Nigel Clough’s side on Friday after his contract at the iPro Stadium was terminated by mutual consent.

Although County held Freeman’s registration when United visited north London for their first leg of their Capital One Cup semi-final seven days ago, competition chiefs have confirmed he is eligible for selection against the Premier League club.

“We’ve been told that Kieron is okay to play,” Clough said. “Apparently these are regarded as two separate games rather than half of a whole as it were.

“I know in the FA Cup that, if you’re not on the books for the first tie, then you can’t take part in a replay but, in this instance, things are different.

“We’ve checked and checked again. We’ll probably triple check as well just to be on the safe side but that’s the answer we’ve received and so there’s a chance that Kieron might be involved.”

Freeman, who made 12 appearances during a spell on loan with United last term, signed a 30 month contract on the same day as John Brayford and Paul Coutts also completed transfers to South Yorkshire.

However, unlike the former Wales international, they are prohibited from taking part after representing Cardiff City and County in a previous round.

United, who could recall centre-forward Marc McNulty to their starting eleven, will hand a late fitness test to Chris Basham but Ben Davies is set to feature after making his comeback from injury at Preston North End last weekend.